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The Spanish American War lasted from late April (the date varies a few
days as to when the "official" beginning occurred - April 22, 23, or 25)
to December 10, 1898 when it ended with the signing of the Treaty of Paris
between the U.S. and Spain. It only lasted eight months.

The Spanish American War was a global war, being fought physically in
the Philippines, Guam, Puerto Rico and Cuba. In addition, it was fought
politically in the home countries as well as in diverse places such Egypt,
and Hawaii. Particularly important also is that the war was fought between
the U.S. and Spain. This may sound obvious, but is a point of confusion.
Lastly, the Filipinos served as an active defacto, but unofficial, U.S.
ally.

What was the "Philippine Insurrection"?

The Philippine American War was formerly termed the "Philippine
Insurrection" by the U.S. The term is no longer accepted, since, as pointed
out by the government of the Philippines, the conflict did not fit the
definition of an insurrection. For it to have been an insurrection, the
U.S. would have had to have been in some sort of basic control of the
archipelago when the conflict commenced. In fact, the U.S. only controlled
Manila, Cavite, Manila Bay, and the water surrounding the archipelago. It
had no troops, and no governmental control elsewhere. As a result, the
action was, in fact, a war. The conflict has now been termed the "Philippine
American War" by the U.S. government, and the conflict is so listed at places
such as the Library of Congress.